In a ceremony at San Francisco’s Ferry Building hosted by Alice Waters, famed chef of Chez Panisse and pioneer of the American slow food movement, North Coast Brewing Co. was recognized as a Good Food Awards Winner. The Good Food Awards honor companies producing tasty, authentic foods in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.

“We couldn’t be more pleased,” said Mark Ruedrich, President and Brewmaster of the Fort Bragg, California-based brewery. “The craft brewing movement has been one of the most vital elements on the American food scene for the past several years. Exceptional beers from small producers are leading the way in expanding the country’s tastes and creating a place for themselves at the dining table.”

North Coast Brewing PranQster Belgian Style Golden Ale, the Good Food Awards winner, is brewed with unique Belgian yeast strains that result in a fruity, floral character particularly well-suited to complement a wide variety of foods. While PranQster has been honored with awards from national and international beer tasting competitions, and North Coast has been named as “One of the 10 Best Breweries in the World” by Chicago’s Beverage Testing Institute, this Good Food Award marks the first time the brewery has been recognized by the larger, all-encompassing food community.